Jordan Lee Makes a Promising First Impression for South Carolina
When South Carolina’s women’s basketball team opened its exhibition season, much of the attention went to who wasn’t on the floor. With Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins held out as a precaution and several other regulars sidelined, the Gamecocks needed newcomers to step up. Texas transfer Jordan Lee did exactly that.
Lee’s night didn’t start smoothly. She was quiet early, but she settled in and finished with 15 points on perfect three-point shooting in South Carolina’s 91-60 win over College of Charleston. For a player in her first game in a new uniform, that kind of poise after a slow start is a good sign.
Coach Dawn Staley trusted her right away, starting Lee in the backcourt alongside Tessa Johnson, Agot Makeer, Joyce Edwards and Adhel Tac. Lee looked comfortable in that role, and it was clear why Staley valued her so highly in the transfer portal. She was one of the five who opened the game, and she was one of four starters to reach double figures.
What she brings to the team
The most immediate contribution is perimeter shooting. Lee’s efficiency from deep gives South Carolina another reliable option on the outside. That matters because defenses will have to respect her, which opens space for Edwards and the rest of the frontcourt to work inside.
She also adds backcourt depth and flexibility. Johnson and Makeer traded time at point guard, and Lee’s comfort alongside them suggests Staley has room to mix and match guard combinations depending on matchups and health. With Kitts and Watkins still working back from knee injuries, that kind of versatility is valuable as the staff decides how to manage minutes early in the season.
Finally, Lee brings experience from a high-level program. Arriving from Texas, she has already faced elite competition, and her ability to shake off a sluggish start and finish strong reflects that.
What comes next
It was only an exhibition, and tougher tests are ahead. But Lee showed she can shoot, handle the pressure of a starting role and fit in quickly with her new teammates. If she keeps that up, she could be one of the season’s most valuable additions. Once Kitts and Watkins return, a lineup with Lee spacing the floor looks even more dangerous.
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